Xcel Energy has agreed with Texas customer groups to increase its utility rates by 4 percent, or $3.97 per month for a typical 1,000-kilowatt-hour residential bill, beginning Saturday.

The deal, which was announced Wednesday, was reached by Xcel, the Public Utility Commission of Texas Staff, industry groups and an alliance of 80 Texas towns served by the power company. It will increase annual revenues to support nearly $1 billion in capital improvements, Xcel said, while recognizing the impact of reductions in wholesale sales in 2015.

Not long ago, Arlington High senior Jason Graham couldn’t have envisioned himself wearing a tuxedo and playing a violin in the school’s symphony orchestra. But that very thing happened Wednesday … Click to Continue »